Aspen, Colorado

Around every corner in Aspen lies beautiful architecture, which is home to all sorts of fine shops, restaurants and lodges. There are very few towns that are known for upscale, sporty fun like Aspen.

Located adjacent to some of the most beautiful mountains in the state, Aspen is an outdoor paradise. It’s urban yet secluded, with plenty of wilderness to explore. The Roaring Fork nearby provides an opportunity for cliff jumping. It’s also known for decadent restaurants, family-oriented ski lodges, historical sites, and many different local arts attractions. Aspen is home to Sport Obermeyer, a top notch outdoor clothing maker.

The most popular culture stop in Aspen is the Aspen Art Museum, which regularly holds new shows of all different kinds. The Red Brick Center for the Arts holds a close second to that title, and is an excellent choice for those who want a more cerebral stop on their vacation.

Dining

Patio dining.

When it comes to fine dining, it’s hard to find a Western town with more urbane tastes. Going to bars like the Library, Casa Tua, and the Sage Bar is a good way to kick off the night in this beautiful city. The restaurants in town seem to represent every nationality and different lifestyles. Whether you are looking for an fancy fusion restaurant or a simple pizza parlor, Aspen will make sure that you have the best food you’ve tasted in the West!

Main Attractions

Maroon Bells – It’s probably the most photographed spot in Colorado. Recreation like camping, fishing and hiking are popular here.

Recreation

In addition to world class ski slopes, other winter activities including cross country skiing, dog sledding, ice skating, snowmobiling, snowshoeing and snow tubing. During the summer, hiking and horseback riding are common activities around Aspen. Aspen also has many different health spas for when its time to relax.

Situated about 14 miles east of Basalt on Frying Pan Rd, Ruedi Reservoir has four campgrounds.

Maroon Lake and Maroon Bells.

Fishing:

Maroon Lake is about a ten minute drive from town. It’s stocked with cutthroat trout. Crater Lake is a two hour hike from Maroon Lake. Both lakes reside in thee White River National Forest.

Special Events

Winter X Games – Alone, they are the perfect excuse for visiting town, held every January in Aspen for over ten years. It’s an event that magnetizes passionate crowds every year! The world’s best winter athletes compete in extreme action sports, such as skiing, snowboarding and snowmobiling. The best part is that the competitions are open to public and free to watch.

Aspen Film Shortsfest – International short film festival featuring movies forty minutes or less, held in early April.

Aspen Filmfest – Founded in 1979, Apsen’s short film fest attracts visitors from all over in October for this noncompetitive, non-profit festival.

Featured Aspen blog

T-Lazy-7 Ranch Snowmobiling: Splendor in the Snow – T-Lazy-7 Ranch, Aspen’s oldest working ranch, has exclusive snowmobile rights to the White River National Forest at Independence Pass and all the way up to the Maroon Bells, two majestic “fourteeners”…